Vocal mics

[john_the_bass]

Our band had (past tense) a set of mics which comprised 3 or 4 Beta 58 As, 1 SM58 and 2 SM57s. It appears that some light fingered gobsh*te has walked off with them from somewhere said gobsh*te wasn't supposed to be and they are nowhere to be seen. Before I catch the fecker that did it and tan his arse, I need to get some more mics, however I notice that a Beta 58 A is approacing £150 - I managed to get a black one from e-av for about half that when they were on promotion, but they're now up to £149 each and I can't shell out £450 on 3 mics.

Can you recommend an equivalent to a Beta 58 A, but a bit cheaper?

[acidbass]

Shure SM58 might do in a pinch? Alternatively, check out Audix, particularly the [url="http://www.audixusa.com/docs/products/OM2.shtml"]OM2[/url] and [url="http://www.audixusa.com/docs/products/OM3.shtml"]OM3[/url].

Hope you find the buggers who nicked your mics mate, keep your eye on your local Gumtree - you'd be surprised how stupid some criminals are.

Danny

[alexclaber]

I found the SM57 worked better for me than either the SM58 or Beta 58 - doesn't go quite as high as the latter but less boomy in the lows and nice open midrange. Worth a try as you're bound to find plenty of other uses for them!

Alex

[john_the_bass]

The Audix might be an option at 60 quid each, I've tried singing into 57s before and just blow a lot of air into them, although I suppose you can get around that by putting a windshield over them.

The other option is Rode M1s which I've seen a good deal on and could currently pick up 4 for £160. Anybody tried a Rode dynamic mic?

[Finbar]

We use Senneiser mics. I forget the exact name. But they're 58-a-likes. Weren't too expensive - got them bundled with mic stands and leads too. They have a lot more in the top end than the 58, which some soundguys don't dig, but they serve us well

[51m0n]

Senn E835 and E845 are good no nonsense alternatives

[deksawyer]

Look into the EV 767a. Far superior to the equivalent SM58.

D.

[acidbass]

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='561436' date='Aug 5 2009, 08:12 PM']Anybody tried a Rode dynamic mic?[/quote]

No, but if they're anything like the condensors in terms of quality, I'd go for them in a heartbeat!

[john_the_bass]

[quote name='deksawyer' post='561659' date='Aug 6 2009, 02:11 AM']Look into the EV 767a. Far superior to the equivalent SM58.

D.[/quote]

We were using Betas D, except for one which was temporarily replaced by an SM after one of the Betas met a sudden, floor-contact related death.
I'll take a look at the other suggestions. There is a good deal on Rode mics at the minute, if you buy one from DV247, you can fill out a form and get a second for 50p direct from Rode. Their dynamic cardioid mics are around the same price point as an SM58

[stingrayfan]

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='561718' date='Aug 6 2009, 09:24 AM']I'll take a look at the other suggestions.[/quote]
Take a look at the [url="http://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=JTSNX8&browsemode=category"]JTS NX8[/url]. They get very good reviews. We use the cheaper version (JTS929) in our band and those work a treat.

[Stewart]

[quote name='deksawyer' post='561659' date='Aug 6 2009, 02:11 AM']Look into the EV 767a. Far superior to the equivalent SM58.[/quote]

I'll second that - superb mics.

For a much cheaper option, this is hard to beat:

[url="http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR222481"]AKG D88[/url]

[john_the_bass]

I've been looking at AKG D5s as well, which seem to be getting VERY good reviews in the main, especially at the price point

[quote name='stingrayfan' post='561730' date='Aug 6 2009, 09:34 AM']Take a look at the [url="http://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=JTSNX8&browsemode=category"]JTS NX8[/url]. They get very good reviews. We use the cheaper version (JTS929) in our band and those work a treat.[/quote]

I think I've used one of these before actually, never had any problems with it either.

[stevie]

You can get a set of 3 Behringer XM8500s for £40, which will at least get you going quickly. I've heard from a number of sources that these are comparable with Shure SM58s, but I've no personal experience of them. This guy certainly thinks so: [url="http://www.humanbeatbox.com/microphones/p2_articleid/181"]http://www.humanbeatbox.com/microphones/p2_articleid/181[/url]. The price is definitely right, and I'm sure plenty of users on here will have an opinion on them.

Edited August 6, 2009 by stevie

[john_the_bass]

I actually have a set of these Stevie, although I've only used them for rehearsals, they seemed alright. I might try them at a gig, but I suppose I was always a bit mistrustful of Behringer gear for pro applications.

[stevie]

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='561823' date='Aug 6 2009, 11:11 AM']I actually have a set of these Stevie, although I've only used them for rehearsals, they seemed alright. I might try them at a gig, but I suppose I was always a bit mistrustful of Behringer gear for pro applications.[/quote]
I was going to say, if they're not your cup of tea, they will always be useful as a backup, but it looks like you had that idea first. I agree that Behringer is very much a mixed bag but some of their stuff is certainly comparable with the specialist brand names.

[ezbass]

I picked up an AKG D5 at the London Music Show which was on a special at the time, but seem to go for about £70 normally. I find that it is more articulate and clear than the SM58s that the others use in my band. Definitely one to check out IMO.

[crez5150]

If you want good alternatives try -

Beyerdynamic TGX 58 (compares better than the beta 58 and at least half the price)
Sennheiser E845 - nuff said!!!

[rmorris]

[quote name='john_the_bass' post='561436' date='Aug 5 2009, 08:12 PM']I've tried singing into 57s before and just blow a lot of air into them, although I suppose you can get around that by putting a windshield over them.[/quote]

well I'm led to believe that the 57 and 58 are the same capsule with different cover / windshield.
I'd say give the SM58 a go - although it'll have a less tight pickup patten.
Note that producer John Leckie prefers standard 58 over Beta version - although that's for studio work.

[leftybassman392]

+1 for the point about EV845's. I've had a set for a few years and would definitely recommend them. Also they have a SC response pattern so should be a bit easier to place wrt stage monitors.

As someone said earlier, everybody's got their own opinion, and it may come down to borrowing a couple of each and trying them out. I live in Northampton and am not gigging right now so you're welcome to borrow mine. Drop me a PM if you'd like to.